In several countries, building‐integrated photovoltaics solutions could prospectively contribute to the growth of total installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity as they enable electricity production with minimal impact on free land. However, in some circumstances, the relatively high weight (≥15 kg/m2) of existing glass/glass building‐integrated photovoltaics modules may constitute a barrier to the diffusion of PV in the built environment. With the aim of limiting the weight while preserving excellent mechanical stability and durability properties, we propose a new design for lightweight crystalline‐silicon (c‐Si) PV modules in which the conventional polymer backsheet (or glass) is replaced by a composite sandwich structure, and the frontsheet by a transparent polymer foil. Since sandwich structures are generally realized using epoxy as a gluing material, requiring long processing times, we further investigate (1) the possibility of using standard polymers used in the solar industry as alternative adhesives in the sandwich and (2) the possibility to considerably simplify manufacturing, using conventional lamination processes. Mini‐modules are produced, characterized, and submitted to accelerated aging tests (thermal cycling and damp‐heat) to assess the stability of the product against environmental degradation. We show that, by using the reference epoxy adhesive, it is possible to manufacture a lightweight (~5 kg/m2) mini‐module in a 2‐step process, which successfully passes a selection of industry qualification tests, including thermal cycling, damp‐heat, and hail test. We further show that, by replacing epoxy by a PV adhesive, we are able to considerably simplify the manufacturing process, while preserving excellent mechanical and durability properties.

Light and durable: Composite structures for building‐integrated photovoltaic modules

In this paper, a full-color photovoltaic (PV) module, called the artist PV module, is developed by laser processes. A full-color image source is printed on the back of a protective glass using an inkjet printer, and a brightened grayscale mask is used to precisely define regions on the module where colors need to be revealed. Artist PV modules with 1.1 × 1.4 m2 area have high a retaining power output of 139 W and an aesthetic appearance making them more competitive than other building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products. Furthermore, the installation of artist PV modules as curtain walls without metal frames is also demonstrated. This type of installation offers an aesthetic advantage by introducing supporting fittings, originating from the field of glass technology. Hence, this paper is expected to elevate BIPV modules to an art form and generate research interests in developing more functional PV modules.

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/9/7/551/pdf

Artist Photovoltaic Modules

Effect of strain on the dark current-voltage characteristic of silicon heterojunction solar cells

Among the main challenges of our century, the climate change and the need of diversification of the energy sources are of most importance. Renewable energies undoubtedly have an important role to play, photovoltaic (PV) electricity being especially well suited to face these energy challenges. However, the current integration of PV panels often comes without architectural consideration. In this context, the Archinsolar project [1] aims to develop a new generation of photovoltaic elements based on silicon thin films technologies (amorphous and micromorph), ultra-reliable and manufacturable at a very low cost, allowing a unique architectural integration, respectful of the bui lt environment and overall landscape. Here we will present our new developments on innovative PV elements including colored PV panels and a solar tile using a composite back-structure.

Innovative Solution for Building Integrated Photovoltaics

A polymer composite material system and a process for encapsulation of thin film solar cells were developed for profiled roofing elements, in view of building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) applications. Amorphous silicon cells were deposited on a polyethylene naphthalate film and encapsulated with additional polymer layers in the form of a flat laminate using industrial processes. The process technology developed in this work included a pre-forming step of the PV laminate and a moulding step of a glass fibre-reinforced polyester composite. These two steps were optimised using thermo-elastic analyses, with attention paid to laminate designs and process windows compatible with the thermo-mechanical limits of the fragile active PV layers. A demonstrator with standard 1.0 m×1.8 m corrugated roofing profile, a weight of 6.3 kg and 60 W of output power was produced. The long-term endurance of the conformal modules was also validated using humidity-freeze, damp-heat and water immersion tests.

Conformal thin film silicon photovoltaic modules

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Innovative Solution for Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Conformal thin film silicon photovoltaic modules